Joe DiCarlo 
Already we are almost halfway into the season and for DFS we’ve been on point. In Week Seven we emphasized paying up for Mahomes and Kelce, destroying the competition while using the best at their positions with low ownership. The byes will take the week off, making this breakdown at full capacity of match-ups to dissect. The more games the merrier, especially for cash games and crossing that pay line.
Stay tuned to all our injury news, updates, and building advice in our Discord. Also, check out our Optimizer and Projection Models to get the best possible performance from your lineups. Week Eight will be a hearty meal of 13 games so I hope you brought your appetite, let’s cut right into this steak for DFS!
Sunday Main Slate 10/29/23
Eagles @ Commanders (+6.5) (O/U 41.5)
Locks: Jalen Hurts
The safest and best quarterback of the slate lies here in this matchup with Jalen Hurts ($8,200 DraftKings/$9,200 FanDuel). It’s also a great game to stack with AJ Brown ($8,000 DraftKings/$8,700 FanDuel) who has owned a 40% target share, destroying every coverage in the playbook, and is severely underpriced on DraftKings. Washington has allowed 14 passing touchdowns so far this season.
I wouldn’t mind sprinkling in some D’Andre Swift ($6,300 DraftKings/$7,700 FanDuel) either, a back who rarely leaves the playing field and provides a high floor of 16 FPTS/game. He’ll also be a contrarian play for Hurts and AJ Brown, expect some low ownership on Swift.
If you’re looking to run someone back on Washington, it will be no other than the Eagles killer “scary” Terry McLaurin ($5300 DraftKings/$7,000 FanDuel). His ability to beat any coverage Phila throws at him with the unforeseen negative Commanders’ gamescript makes him very desirable at his mid-range price tag. The Eagles also struggle to cover opposing tight ends in their man coverage (32nd DVOA), so get Logan Thomas ($3,400 DraftKings/$5,400 FanDuel) in a build if you want to attack this matchup.
Patriots @ Dolphins (-9) (O/U 47)
Locks: Tyreek Hill
We all know by now what Miami will be up to for offense, get the ball to Tyreek Hill ($9,500 DraftKings/$9,500 FanDuel), who Bill Belichick may have something up his sleeve for coverage. I wouldn’t bet on it, but if it does pan out that way for Hill, Jaylen Waddle ($7,500 DraftKings/$7,100 FanDuel) may see a bigger role on Sunday.
Vegas has the Patriots as big underdogs, so expect the passing volume to be heavy for New England. Kendrick Bourne ($4,700 DraftKings/$6,200 FanDuel) has been the cream that has risen to the top for the Pats at receiver with 34 receptions and three touchdowns. Keep an eye on JuJu Smith-Schuster’s injury status too, because the rookie Demario Douglas ($3,300 DraftKings/$5,200 FanDuel) has a chance to shine finally. A slick, cheap receiver play this week, even if JuJu decides to suit up.
Keep in mind this is a divisional game as well, so you should see some better defense against Miami. The Pats DST ($2,000 DraftKings/$3,100 FanDuel) is at the minimum price, making it possible to take on more elites in your lineups.
Jets @ Giants (+2.5) (O/U 36.5)
The MetLife Bowl welcomes both its teams in for a Week Eight battle for bragging rights, and the losers walk home on the New Jersey Turnpike. Anything can happen in this matchup between two struggling offenses, but the edge goes to the Jets ($4,000 DraftKings/$4,400 FanDuel) and their top-ten defense. It won’t be a high-scoring game, but it will be interesting. Big Blue will roll out with Tyrod Taylor ($5,300 DraftKings/$6,800 FanDuel) for a third straight week, as Daniel Jones is still not ready to come back… no rush Danny, take your time. Taylor’s veteran skill set and decision-making have breathed new life into the Giants’ weapons such as Darren Waller ($5,200 DraftKings/6,400 FanDuel) (12 REC/141YDS/1TD) and Saquon Barkley ($8,000 DraftKings/$8,100 FanDuel) (170 RuYDS/7REC) in only two games.
Gang Green on the other hand has been playing with house money, fresh off a bye and win off the Phila Eagles. The G-Men will have no answer for Garrett Wilson ($6,300 DraftKings/$7,200 FanDuel) in their incapable secondary and Breece Hall ($5,900 DraftKings/$7,200 FanDuel) when he gets the carries (Giants 27th in DVOA to the run). I like them both for cash, especially Breece, who is still under $6K on DraftKings and ridiculously cheap.
Rams @ Cowboys (-6.5) (O/U 45)
Locks: Cooper Kupp (GPP)
We should have a fantasy rodeo down in Texas as the Rams visit the Cowboys, gotta love the dome games. The price of poker has gone up on the superstars in this match-up, making them a hit or miss in a GPP format. The field may not want to pay up for quarterbacks like Stafford ($6,600 DraftKings/$6,500 FanDuel) and Dak Prescott ($6,100 DraftKings/$7,300 FanDuel) either this week, as they have become a little too pricey (Stafford is expensive on DraftKings, Dak on FanDuel).
It’s no secret, that Cooper Kupp ($9,000 DraftKings/$9,100 FanDuel) and Puca Nacua ($7,900 DraftKings/$8,000 FanDuel) own the entire Rams’ target share (30%/28%). Get them in your lineups if you are looking to be different.
In Dallas, it’s obvious to go with CeeDee Lamb ($7,600 DraftKings/$7,800 FanDuel) and Tony Pollard ($7,500 DraftKings/$7,600 FanDuel) but check out Michael Gallup ($3,400 DraftKings/$5,500 FanDuel) and Jake Ferguson ($3,600 DraftKings/$4,900 FanDuel). Their snap share was through the roof (70%,86%) in week six and Gallup even saw 10 targets. There are great spots for both to recover fantasy value in a positive matchup.
Jaguars @ Steelers (+2.5) (U/O 42)
This game appears to be a defensive battle on paper as both teams stop the run pretty well, especially with Pittsburgh possibly getting Cam Heyward back. So far there seems to be very little ownership flocking into either team, making Trevor Lawrence ($6,200 DraftKings/$7,500 FanDuel) a sneaky GPP quarterback. Travis Etienne has been getting all the work he can handle lately, he leads the NFL in carries (127) and adding seven total touchdowns. But again, it’s a tough matchup, keep him away from cash for this week.
Look for Calvin Ridley ($5,800 DraftKings/$6,800 FanDuel) and Evan Engram ($4,500 DraftKings/$5,700 FanDuel) to reemerge for DFS out of Pittsburgh’s man coverage, and plug away in tournaments. Kenny Pickett will be facing a pass-funnel-style defense against Jacksonville. So fade the Steelers’ backs and it’s thumbs up to George Pickens ($5,600 DraftKings/$7,400 FanDuel), who should feast against the rookie corner Montaric Brown filling in for Tyson Campbell.
Vikings @ Packers (+1) (O/U 43.5)
This contest, in a nutshell, looks like it could get ugly, especially with some wet weather on the horizon in Wisconsin. So in turn, we may see both teams running the ball more often, but let’s pump the brakes for a second on both backfields.
The Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon experience have been far from breathtaking, racking up numerous single-digit fantasy performances. However, on the other side for Minnesota, Alexander Mattison ($5,600 DraftKings/$6,100 FanDuel) and Cam Akers ($4,800 DraftKings/$5,200 FanDuel) are golden against the Green Bay Packers 30th in DVOA run defense which has allowed 143 yards per game on the season. They split the backfield for the Vikings, so take your shot, and hope for the best.
And if you’re looking to chase points from Monday night in Jordan Addison ($5,700 DraftKings/$7,300 FanDuel) go for it while his price is still a bargain. The Vikings’ undoubted number-one receiver under $6K on DraftKings is criminal.
Texans @ Panthers (+3) (O/U 43.5)
Looking for some exposure to your high-priced studs across the slate? Well look no further, the Texans offer a stack off the value menu featuring C.J. Stroud ($6,300 DraftKings/$7,400 FanDuel), Tank Dell ($4,900 DraftKings/$6,000 FanDuel), and Nico Collins ($5,500 DraftKings/$7,200 FanDuel), who is a lock for cash games with Robert Woods ruled out. Carolina’s defense has been like shooting fish in a barrel all season, they allow the most points per game on average (30). I wouldn’t mind getting a little fancy either by picking up Devin Singletary ($4,400 DraftKings/$5,400 FanDuel) or Dameon Pierce ($5,300 DraftKings/$6,300 FanDuel) if you want to dumpster dive at running back. The Panthers rank almost dead last in DVOA (31st) against the run.
*** I love a C.J. Stroud who may be playing with a chip on his shoulder against the team that snubbed him for Bryce Young at No.1 overall in this year’s draft.***
Well as for the 0-7 Panthers, it’s slim pickings as usual. Chuba Hubbard was fantastic back in Week Six but with a healthy Miles Sanders, we don’t have a clear path against Houston’s terrible run defense that allows well over 100 yards per game. The Panthers have been all Adam Thielen ($6,600 DraftKings/$8,200 FanDuel) this year, who has found the fountain of youth in Carolina. But the price has sky-rocketed from his production. I’d rather take a shot on a punt at tight end of Hayden Hurst ($2,900 DraftKings/$4,800 FanDuel), who could see plenty of check-downs from Bryce Young facing a Texans’ zone defense.
Falcons @ Titans (+2.5) (O/U 36.5)
Gross… just a gross all-around game. The run-heavy Atlanta offense will be forced to throw against the number-one-ranked rushing defense in Tennessee. Meanwhile, the Titans will be experimenting at quarterback between Malik Willis and the rookie Will Levis, hence the extremely low total. Mistakes will be made on both ends of the field, so both defenses (Atlanta DST-$2,900 DraftKings/$3,900 FanDuel) (Tennessee-$3,100 DraftKings/$4,100 FanDuel) are in play, as well as all the Falcons’ pass-catchers of a concentrated receiving core of Kyle Pitts ($3,800 DraftKings/$5,500 FanDuel), Drake London ($5,100 DraftKings/$6,700 FanDuel), and Jonnu Smith ($3,500 DraftKings/$5,300 FanDuel).
Check out Bijan Robinson’s ($6,000 DraftKings/$7,100 FanDuel) price after his headache forced him out of Week Seven, it hit rock bottom. I’d have no problem sliding him into a tournament this week since the field will abandon the rookie bellcow. When the Titans spread out the coverage, Robinson will be in line for his usual check-downs from Desmond Ridder.
Saints @ Colts (-1.5) (O/U 43.5)
Ahh, we love picking on the Colts, don’t we? Chris Olave ($6,400 DraftKings/$7,300 FanDuel) recently got pulled over for speeding this week and he’ll be burning rubber again this Sunday, except it will be the Colts’ outside cornerbacks (60 receptions given up this season). Hopefully, Derek Carr ($5,500 DraftKings/$6,600 FanDuel) can get him the football, otherwise, he’ll be check-down Charlie once again to Alvin Kamara ($7,300 DraftKings/$8,300 FanDuel). The Saints running back may need a new pair of gloves soon after catching 35 receptions in only four games. All three are viable in GPPs as the ownership seems to be off of this game.
The Colts have been behind the eightball all year because of their defense, which is keeping Gardner Minshew’s arm pretty busy in negative gamescripts. Michael Pittman ($6,500 DraftKings/$7,100 FanDuel) is the alpha, but the rookie Josh Downs ($4,800 DraftKings/$6,100 FanDuel) has become a favorite target for Minshew, as he’s scored heavily for fantasy, especially his last performance (5REC/125YDS/1TD). Take the discount and roster Downs over Pittman until we see the ball direction change.
In the running back room, Jonathon Taylor ($6,200 DraftKings/$7,100 FanDuel) is beginning to pull away from Zack Moss. Although they both had 50% of the snaps, Taylor was the one who benefited with 21 fantasy points. New Orleans will bring the pressure onto the Colts’ passing attack, look for Taylor to see plenty of check-down passes in the flat against a tough Saints’ run defense.
Browns @ Seahawks (-3) (U/O 39.5)
The former XFL superstar PJ Walker will start one more time for Deshaun Watson of the Browns, who just can’t catch a break with their $230 million-dollar man. I have zero interest in any part of this contest, due to the fact of how well the Browns can play defense at times, and if in fact, Walker can move the ball down the field. Give me both Cleveland’s ($3,000 DraftKings/$4,100 FanDuel) and Seattle’s ($3,400 DraftKings/$4,300 FanDuel) defenses instead here.
Seattle should be getting DK Metcalf ($6,800 DraftKings/$7,500 FanDuel) back this week, so fire him up. This news brings the rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba back to earth, so let’s not chase points in this spot unless Tyler Lockett is ruled out on Sunday.
Chiefs @ Broncos (+8) (U/O 46)
Locks: Pat Mahomes; Travis Kelce
Finally, a game with potential on the slate. You have to appreciate the AFC West divisional games as we all know what to expect…chunks of yards through the air and touchdowns. It’s already Week Eight and the Broncos still can’t stop the bleeding on defense, paving the way for Mahomes ($8,400 DraftKings/$9,000 FanDuel), Travis Kelce ($8,400 DraftKings/$9,000 FanDuel), and Rashee Rice ($5,000 DraftKings/$6,000FanDuel), who has emerged as the Chiefs receiver-one. Running back Isaiah Pacheco has carved a role in the offense and is a set-and-forget play this week facing the wasteland 32nd DVOA against the run.
The Broncos may be looking to unload their roster walking as we approach the trade deadline, but their one diamond in the rough has been Courtland Sutton ($5,300 DraftKings/$6,900 FanDuel). In six of seven contests, he’s scored double-digit fantasy points along with five touchdowns. Still affordable in DFS too, and a nice run-back option if you decide to stack the Chiefs.
Ravens @ Cardinals (+8) (U/O 44)
Locks: Lamar Jackson
Double down on Lamar ($8,100 DraftKings/$8,800 FanDuel) and the Ravens out in the desert this weekend, as he’ll look to build off his 33 fantasy point outing in Week Seven. Arizona has been the place to get back on the right track for opposing offenses this season, failing to stop every position in football (27th against the pass, 29th against the run). Mark Andrews ($6,400 DraftKings/$7,700 FanDuel), Zay Flowers ($5,600 DraftKings/$6,500 FanDuel), and Gus Edwards ($5,500 DraftKings/$6,600 FanDuel) all make the cut for DFS in Week Eight.
If we have to pick any of the Cardinals, it’ll be Marquise Brown ($5,300 DraftKings/$6,500 FanDuel). Since Week One he’s been the unmistaken WR1, racking up 32 catches for 342 yards and three touchdowns. He may be playing with a chip on his shoulder, with some incentive to make a big game statement in front of his former teammates in Baltimore.
Bengals @ Niners (-5.5) (U/O 45)
Locks: Ja’Maar Chase; Christian McCaffrey
The big news in the Bay Area was when Niners quarterback Brock Purdy popped up in concussion protocol in the middle of the week, yet he is still practicing. With no confirmation as of Friday, we may have Sam Darnold starting for all we know. This wouldn’t change anything for Christian McCaffrey’s ($9,200 DraftKings/$10,200 FanDuel) role, who would see pass after pass in the backfield. As for the rest of the offense, we’ll have to wait and see who is starting before taking shots on Brandon Aiyuk.
The Bengals off of a bye week could be rolling out the red carpet for Tee Higgins ($5,900 DraftKings/$6,800 FanDuel) to become part of the offense once again. If San Fransisco rolls out into their norm of cover two, Higgins will devour that secondary of Lenoir and Oliver with his superior size. Perhaps Cincinnati also worked on protecting Joe Burrow ($6,000 DraftKings/$7,100 FanDuel) a little better during their week off, at his salary he should be heavily owned and a paydown option for cash games at quarterback.
Cash Core
- Hurts
- Pacheco
- Collins
- AJ Brown
GPP Core
- Kupp/Nacua
- Carr
- Bijon Robinson
- Olave
Thanks for reading my NFL DFS Game by Game Breakdown for Week 8. You can reach me on Twitter @JoeDiCarlo78 or in our Discord tag me @DiCarlo78 for any lineup build opinions or questions, always here to help! Be sure to sign up for an all-access premium pass and get your first 7 days free here at WinDailySports. Gain access to our Projection Models and jump into our Discord where we will have our experts and myself talking plays across every sport 24/7/365!
